Take an MMPI for your Level 3 or 4 License Application
Beginning Jan 1, 2024, applicants for a Level 3 Commissioned Security Officer (CSO) or Level 4 Personal Protection Officer (PPO) license are required by Texas law to complete an MMPI (You can learn more about the change in law here or access the specific Texas code here). The main purpose of this requirement is to ensure that security officers are of sound mental and emotional health. A psychologist or psychiatrist will need to have administered an MMPI and conducted an interview with you in order to complete the PSP-13 form required with your application for a Level 3 or Level 4 license.
I have produced an FAQ below to answer questions about the MMPI and describe the brief psychological evaluation process I use. When you’re ready to get started, simply reach out via the form below or give me a ring to discuss scheduling: (210) 588-0298
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MMPI?
The MMPI (or Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) is a measure of psychological health, assessing a broad range of dimensions of psychological functioning. This includes problems in mood, thinking, interpersonal functioning, and conduct problems or substance abuse. The test reports a set of scores showing where you sit on a variety of scales relative to the whole population. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants to know through this test administration that you do not have significant problems in any of these major areas of psychological functioning.
While the test appears simple - it only involves a large set of true - false questions - it is quite powerful at detecting whether the test-taker is answering truthfully. There are a number of ways it measure the validity of your profile. For this reason, it is important that when you take the test you take it seriously and answer honestly. It is possible to produce a profile that has to be ruled invalid.
The MMPI is currently in its third edition, the MMPI-3 (2020). You can learn more about the MMPI at its publisher site: Pearson Assessments
How do you take the MMPI?
You can take the test via remote administration over the internet or on site at a psychologist's office by either computer or pen and paper. The test involves a total of 335 statements to which you to answer true or false about whether it applies to you. The test can take between 30-60 minute to complete. As soon as you finish the psychologist who administered the test can generate a score report to review with you.
Who can administer the MMPI?
Currently, the publisher of the MMPI (Pearson) only allows licensed psychologists to administer this exam. This is because the test requires a deep understanding of psychopathology and training in the test's interpretation. The MMPI cannot be administered by masters level counselors such as LPC's, LCSW's and LMFT's.
Does the PSP-13 form require just an MMPI?
A psychologist administering an MMPI is responsible for pairing an interpretation of your test with an understanding of you as a person. This doesn’t require a full psychological evaluation but it does require a little more than just reading the MMPI test results.
I follow a brief psychological evaluation process that entails your completing an intake form sharing about your background (e.g. about your family, childhood, education, work, relationships, medical history, legal involvements, etc.), completing an MMPI online, and our visiting (either in person or virtually) to allow me to put together your MMPI scores with my impressions from reading your intake and visiting face-to-face with you.
What does it cost to conduct this brief psychological evaluation?
There is no standard cost among providers who perform this service as different psychologists interpret their responsibilities differently. I charge a flat fee of $350 for the administration, scoring, interpretation, and review of your MMPI with you along with a brief interview before signing off on the DPS form (PSP-13).
This service is not covered by insurance, though I’m happy to charge an HSA card if you have one from your company. I’m also glad to share an invoice that you can use to seek reimbursement from your employer.
How long would it take for me to complete the process?
In most cases, I am able to set you up to complete the intake form and the MMPI on the same day. I can then schedule an online or in-person visit within a week of your completing these. This visit typically lasts 25-50 minutes. Provided your MMPI is valid and I have no other reservations based on our discussion together, you would leave our appointment with a complete PSP-13 form in hand.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes, I do. I use a platform (Simple Practice) that provides HIPPA-compliant virtual meetings through your browser or a downloadable app. I will provide instructions about accessing this platform when we set up the appointment.
Do I have to take the MMPI each time I renew my license?
No. Acccording to the Texas DPS website, your MMPI is ruled valid indefinitely. Once you obtain a valid profile that allows the psychologist to sign your PSP-13, it is good for future renewals. For more information see this TDPS page.
How can I get the ball rolling?
Simply leave a message at my voicemail or send me an email with the form at right to initiate scheduling an appointment. I will follow up ASAP (usually within 24h) to confirm I can provide what you need and set you up with an enrollment email.
Feel free to ring me if you have any additional questions: (210) 588-0298
Schedule an MMPI Today
Depending on your responsiveness and availability, I’m able to administer and review an MMPI with you within a week. I charge $350 for the complete service, including test administration, review and our online meeting. I aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.